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Jim Harbaugh told Alex Smith that Colin Kaepernick will start for the 49ers on Sunday against the Saints, according to Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated. The decision was not made in relation to Smith’s recent concussion.

Kaepernick started in place of Smith on Monday night against the Bears and dazzled in his first start in the pros. Kaepernick threw for 243 yards with two touchdowns and committed zero turnovers in the 49ers’ 32-7 win over Chicago.

Smith wasn’t struggling much himself, leading San Francisco to a 6-2-1 record as a starter while completing 70 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. It was Smith’s best season to date since getting drafted No. 1 overall in the 2005 NFL draft.

Kaepernick was the No. 36 overall pick in 2011. Harbaugh wouldn’t commit to a starter on Monday night, saying the 49ers would ride the hot hand. It seems that Kaepernick’s got the hotter hand for now.

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